What is blood pressure?
Omron - Blood pressure is the force generated by the blood against the walls of arteries during cardiac contraction and relaxation (e.g., the pumping action of the heart).

LifeSource - Blood pressure is the force exerted by blood against the walls of the arteries. Systolic pressure occurs when the heart contracts; diastolic pressure occurs when the heart expands. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg).

Why measure your blood pressure?
Omron - Blood pressure measurement can highly reflect one's health condition. High blood pressure is potentially linked to serious illnesses such as stroke, heart disease and kidney failure.
Since there is no symptom most of the time, many hypertension people do not realize they are at risk until their health is seriously threatened.

Why measure your blood pressure at home?
LifeSource - It is now well known that, for many individuals, blood pressure readings taken in a doctor’s office or hospital setting might be elevated as a result of apprehension and anxiety. This response is commonly called “white coat hypertension.” In any case, self-measurement at home supplements your doctor’s readings and provides a more accurate, complete blood pressure history. In addition, clinical studies have shown that the detection and treatment of hypertension is improved when patients both consult their physicians and monitor their own blood pressure at home.

Why affects your blood pressure?
Blood pressure is affected by many factors: age, weight, time of day, activity level, climate, altitude and season. Certain activities can significantly alter one’s blood pressure. Walking can raise systolic pressure by 12 mmHg and diastolic pressure by 5.5 mmHg. Sleeping can decrease systolic blood pressure by as much as 10 mmHg. Taking your blood pressure repeatedly without waiting an interval of 5 minutes between readings, or without raising your arm to allow blood to flow back to the heart, can also affect it.
In addition to these factors, beverages containing caffeine or alcohol, certain medications, emotional stress and even tight-fitting clothes can make a difference in the readings.

Why does my blood pressure fluctuate throughout the day?
Omron - Individual blood pressure varies greatly both on a daily and a seasonal or temperature basis. These variations may be more pronounced in hypertension patients. Normally the blood pressure rises while at work and is at its lowest during sleep.

LifeSource - An individual’s blood pressure varies greatly from day to day and season to season. For hypersensitive individuals, these variations are even more pronounced. Normally, blood pressure rises during work or play and falls to its lowest levels during sleep.

Blood Pressure Guide:

Blood pressure classification

Systolic (mmHg)

Diastolic (mmHg)

Normal

less than 120

and

less than 80

Pre hypertension

120-139

or

80-89

Stage 1 hypertension

140-159

or

90-99

Stage 2 hypertension

greater than/equal to 160

or

greater than/equal to 100

Establishing Baseline Measurements
The most important method to get an accurate blood pressure measurement is consistency. To get the most benefit out of your monitor, it is important to establish a “baseline measurement.” This helps build a foundation of measurements that you can use to compare against future readings. To build this baseline measurement, devote two weeks for consistent blood pressure monitoring. This involves doing everything the same way when you measure (e.g. measuring during the same time of day, in the same location, sitting in the same chair, using the same cuff, etc.). Once you establish your baseline measurement, you can start evaluating if your measurement has been affected based on things like lifestyle changes or medication treatment.

What is hypertension?
LifeSource - Hypertension (high blood pressure) is the diagnosis given when readings consistently rise above normal. It is well known that hypertension can lead to stroke, heart attack or other illness if left untreated. Referred to as a “silent killer” because it does not always produce symptoms that alert you to the problem, hypertension is treatable when diagnosed early.

Can hypertension be controlled?
In many individuals, hypertension can be controlled by altering lifestyle and minimizing stress, and by appropriate medication prescribed and monitored by your doctor. The American Heart Association recommends the following lifestyle suggestions to prevent or control hypertension:
Don't smoke
Reduce salt and fat intake
Maintain proper weight
Exercise routinely
Have regular physical checkups
Monitor your blood pressure at periodic intervals

What is an irregular heartbeat?
LifeSource -A heartbeat that varies by 25% from the average of all heartbeat intervals during the blood pressure measurement.
Relax, remain still and refrain from talking during measurements.

My reading seems high. Is something wrong with the monitor?
Your cuff might be too small for you or on too tight. A cuff that is too small yields a measurement that is higher than the correct blood pressure. Be sure to check that you are using the correct cuff size before taking your blood pressure. Please reference the section called “Select the correct cuff” in the instruction manual or see Question 4 to determine your correct cuff size. If your measurements still seem high, please consult your physician.

Compare Blood Pressure Monitors

CHOOSE BELOW for specific comparisons

In the October 2010 issue of a prestigious product review magazine, home blood pressure monitors were tested and rated. In the category of wrist monitors, the report identified the number one unit as the LifeSource® Advanced Memory Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor UB-512. The UB-512 is a state-of-the-art device that is packed with the latest features. It offers the patent pending Pressure Rating Indicator™ that visually indicates a user's blood pressure category. It's kind of like a stoplight for your health. This robust device has Irregular Heartbeat Detection that alerts the user to the presence of an irregular heartbeat and provides blood pressure and pulse rate measurements even if an irregular heartbeat occurs. It comes with a heavy-duty carrying case, making it ideal for travel and people on the go. Engineered under exacting conditions in Japan, the UB-512 features the industry's best protection plan, a lifetime warranty. The UB-512's most important feature is AM/PM Tracking, which allows users to monitor how their readings vary throughout the day, providing an essential tool for tracking Morning Hypertension.

But is it accurate?Wrist monitoring is a good alternative for those that cannot take readings on their upper arm. Wrist monitoring is sometimes considered less accurate. This conclusion is incorrect. Careful review of test-taking methods have shown that many users do not follow the manufacturer's prescribed directions for proper use. If the wrist monitor is worn like a watch and not placed on the underside of the wrist readings will be inaccurate. When the user does not hold at heart level or moves during a reading the results will be unreliable. Only when the measuring directions are followed for any blood pressure monitor, professional, home, upper arm or wrist can accurate results be obtained. Each and every LifeSource® blood pressure monitor has been tested by a trained observer using the cuff/stethoscope auscultation method within the limits prescribed by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI/AAMI SP10) for electronic sphygmomanometers.